2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe

I never thought of Elvis and Porsche in the same brainwave. James Dean maybe. Or Steve McQueen even. But not Cadillac Elvis. Thanks to a recent memorable afternoon cruising in and around Memphis in a 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera, however, I can’t dismiss the connection. Porsche along with Bose audio had brought automotive writers to the Bluff City to unveil this 2002 model and its stunning new optional sound system. This year marks the Bose debut as Porsche’s upgrade music maker, hence the choice of Memphis, Beale Street and Elvis as backdrop. We spent the day alternating between Sun Studio with yesterday’s technology and this refined Carrera 911 laden with tomorrow’s. And I’m not just talking sound systems. Porsche has more than a few new tricks up its air dams, too, this year. But since the impressions of one perfect day can’t be relied upon for serious critique, I insisted on another 911 Carrera Coupe for the usual week’s test in December. It’s only fair.

As I spent this extended time marveling at all the improvements in this car just three short years after it was introduced, Elvis’ “Taking Care of Business” insignia, the “TCB” with the lightning bolt, kept popping into my head. How fitting as well for this Porsche, I thought, a coupe that defines taking care of business in a flash. Come to think of it, it is the king of sports cars, the heartthrob of enthusiasts everywhere, the swiveling hips of seductive back roads…

Carrera has left the building.

Thankyouverymuch.

The Good News
As far as I’m concerned, Porsche could have chosen to sit back for a while, fold their arms and bask in the accolades this generation Carrera has generated. But oh no. They were immediately back at it, looking for ways to improve what is already heralded as the benchmark of sports cars in so many ways.

The result of that tinkering is a host of updates in this, the model’s fourth year. Some are driven by function: The more open wheel spokes allow better brake cooling, for example, and some body design changes reduce lift on front and rear suspension and increase airflow to the radiators.

Others just look nicer. The 911 gets a brand new front end this year, adopting the Turbo’s headlamps and distinguishing it head-on from the Boxster, a past complaint of mine. There are also some more Turbo-like adaptations in the taillight section and new tailpipes. It looks bad. Which is good.

Then there are the performance enhancements, most significant among them 20 more horses from the 911’s 6-cylinder boxer engine. AS IF IT NEEDED IT. They did this by increasing displacement from 3.4 to 3.6 liters. Peak horsepower is now 320; peak torque also spikes a bit to 273 lb-ft from 258. Part of that boost in torque comes from a new VarioCam Plus valve timing and lift system, much like the one employed by the Turbo.

OK, enough techno-talk. What will it do? According to Porsche, which is usually conservative, 0-62 in 5 seconds flat, with top track speed of 177 miles per hour. Like I said, taking care of business.

There are other little performance enhancements here and there, much of which is minutia. But minutia is what drives these cars to perfection. The engineering is amazing, the ride exhilarating, the cornering stability like few automobiles on the road. Period.

Mine was equipped with the six-speed manual, the only transmission I would have, not being a fan of the clutchless Tiptronic. Call me old-fashioned, but second-gear loses some of its seduction without a clutch to stomp and a gearshift to grab.

Inside there are changes, too, most notably Porsche has finally included (gasp!) dual cupholders that pop out of the upper dash. Lattes to go, at last. There is also now a standard onboard computer, lockable glove box, three-spoke steering wheel as standard equipment and the option of spending several thousand dollars more for the Bose sound system that rivals most movie theaters. Considering the small space, Bose’s engineering of this aural delight is astounding.

But in spite of all the performance potential stuffed inside such a small frame, what continues to impress me about the new 911 is how relatively compatible it remains as an everyday driver. From its manageable steering to its considerate clutch to its reasonable ride, this Carerra may drive like a bat out of, well, but it can also behave like an angel. The only punishment occurs when you look at the price tag. Then it smacks you upside the head.

The Bad News
I have friends who have spouses who have Porsches who despise them. The Porsche, not the spouse. The lesson here is the 911 is not for everyone. While it is sheer heaven for the lucky stiff clinging to the steering wheel, it is far less joyous an experience for the less fortunate relegated to the passenger’s seat. To experience the Carrera’s razor reflexes and sensitive suspension somewhat vicariously can be jarring if you don’t embrace the chase. As for the poor contorted asked to endure the 911’s so-called back seat, they must either be children or want to ride in a Porsche so badly they’ll do anything, including personal Origami. Still, it’s a great place for stuff and a lot more room than you’ll find in most two-seaters with this kind of bite.

I also note that, like many large sedan manufacturers, Porsche has just added a release handle inside the trunk as an anti-entrapment safety measure. If you’ve ever seen Porsche’s tiny trunk, you would realize this whole concept represents very bad news indeed.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/26 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $67,900
Price as tested, $79,195

Is it worth it?
Adding about $12,000 to the bottom line on my test car was a $2,100 Comfort Package, a $3,200 Advanced Technic Package, $1,300 for 18-inch light alloy Carrera wheel and Porsche’s stability management system that runs about $1,200, give or take a few more options.

Why would anyone pay so much for such a little car, you ask? Because there are few cars that so perfectly connect those who love to drive with their passion. This 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe happens to be one of them.

Those who ask what’s so great about the 911 Carrera are like those who pose the same question about Elvis.

If you have to ask, you just don’t get it.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.